Santo António in Lisbon

SANTO ANTÓNIO: SARDINES AND DANCING

It smells of basil and grilled sardines. The streets are decorated to perfection and dance music stirs the soul. The Popular Saints’ Days are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the summer months in Lisbon!

 

Santo António, the patron saint of Lisbon, is celebrated during this festival season. Although St Anthony’s night is celebrated from the 12th to the 13th of June, the celebrations extend for several weeks throughout the month.

 

The Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon’s most prominent avenue, linking the Marquês do Pombal roundabout with Rossio square, right in the heart of the city. With lots of shops and entertainment, this avenue really comes to life in the summer months. There are kiosks where you can grab a snack and a drink, concerts and fairs, the possibilities are endless!

 

Popular Parades and the Avenida da Liberdade

One of the highlights of the festivities are the Santo António Parades. This procession, involving several parishes in the city, is a free event, where children and adults of all ages parade, with dances, songs and costumes especially prepared for the event which proudly represent their local neighbourhoods. The parade runs the length of the Avenida da Liberdade until it reaches Restauradores.

 

Sardines, bifanas and kale soup

The popular saints are about music, dancing, exuberance, colour, partying and food. The festivities would not be complete without the traditional dishes which leave you coming back for more !! Sardines, grilled over glowing coals, accompanied by roast peppers, is one of the quintessential dishes, and this is the time of year when the sardine is at its best. The bifana, a slice of pork inside a bread roll, eaten plain or with mustard, and entremeada, grilled streaky bacon, are ideal snacks to eat as you go - standing up, sitting down, or maybe even dancing!! And even on the hottest nights, how could we forget a good kale soup to warm the stomach and the soul.

 

The beauty of basil

 

One of the best-known symbols of the popular saints' days is basil. Traditionally, pots of dwarf basil with a little flag and a popular saying stuck in them are offered by young men to their girlfriends. From the same family as the well-known aromatic herb basil, this plant of Indian origin fills the city streets with greenery. Known for its fresh and pleasant aroma, some say you should not smell it as the plant will die. Pat it with your palm and then smell your hand instead. Truth or myth?

 

Alfama, Graça and Mouraria

It is worth taking a walk to some of the most characteristic neighbourhoods in the city, and going to one of the many parties and dances that spring up in Lisbon at this time of year!! The Avenida da Liberdade, Alfama, Graça or Mouraria are some of the most popular areas for a 10-20 minute stroll.

 

There is no doubt that Lisbon is an ideal destination for those who want to explore a city full of light and energy, even more, alive and kicking in these festive summer months.

 

Plan your visit to Lisbon and experience the traditional festivities with their music, colour and atmosphere, in a city full of culture and exuberance. The PortoBay Marquês and PortoBay Liberdade are located in the heart of the city, right in the middle of the festivities !!